Inner elbow pain?

Question

I sometimes have a soreness on the inner part of my elbow. I am double jointed, and usually when I have this pain I can attribute it to bad form in weighlifting. However, I have the pain in both of my elbows today and I haven't done any weightlifting recently.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

You could have golfer's elbow, as I do in both elbows. I now use voice recognition software to type because it is too painful for me to type with my hands.

If I can impart any advice, stop doing things that hurt, which is often easier said than done.

Golfer's elbow is medial epicondylitis, or tendinitis of the tendon on the inside of your elbow. The tendon becomes inflamed from repetitive strain (weightlifting, typing, etc.) and that inflammation can pinch your ulnar nerve. Small tears can occur in the tendon, causing inflexible scar tissue to form, which causes pain whenever your forearm muscles pull on the tendon.

You should see a sports medicine specialist/orthopedic surgeon asap. They can get you into physical therapy and/or get you a cortisone shot to get rid of the inflammation. Only rest and time can heal your tendons, though, so ice them for now and do some stretches easily found online--just search for "golfer's elbow" and check out some of the sites that aren't trying to sell you quick relief. Alleve helps as well.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Crystal,

Being double jointed is a blessing, and a curse. It gives you more flexibility than others, but it gives your joints an inherent weakness because they are not protected the same way as other people's joints.

Definition of Double-jointed:

Double-jointed: Popular term to describe a joint that is unusually flexible. Medically, the joint is said to be hyperflexible, hyperextensible, or hypermobile. People whose fingers are hypermobile have lower rates of arthritis in the hands.

Home treatment may help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Remove all rings, bracelets, watches, or any other jewelry that goes around your wrist or fingers of the injured arm. It will be more difficult to remove the jewelry later if swelling increases.
Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to treat pain and swelling.

Wear a sling for the first 48 hours after the injury, if it makes you more comfortable and supports the injured area. If you feel you need to use a sling for more than 48 hours, discuss your symptoms with your health professional.
An elbow support, such as an elbow sleeve, forearm wrap, or arm sling, may help rest your elbow joint, relieve stress on your forearm muscles, and protect your joint during activity. A counterforce brace may be helpful for tennis elbow symptoms. Follow the manufacturer's directions for using the brace.
Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments.
If applying ice to your elbow does not reduce the swelling, talk with your doctor about hydrocortisone gel treatments (phonophoresis) with a physical therapist.
Start exercises using the MSA process (gentle exercise). MSA stands for movement, strength, and alternate activities.
Movement. Resume a full range of motion as soon as possible after an injury. After 24 to 48 hours of rest, begin moving the injured area. Stop any activity if it causes pain and give the injured area more rest. Gentle stretching will prevent the formation of scar tissue that may decrease movement.
Strength. Once the swelling is gone and range of motion is restored, begin gradual efforts to strengthen the injured area. Hand grip exercises can help you regain elbow strength. Using a small ball, such as an old tennis ball, squeeze the ball 20 to 25 times holding each squeeze for about 5 seconds. After 2 to 3 weeks of hand grip exercises, you may begin forearm exercises of extending or bending the elbow.
Alternate activities. After the first few days but while the injury is still healing, slowly add in regular exercise, such as activities or sports that do not place a strain on the injured area. If certain activities cause pain, stop doing those activities but continue doing your other exercises.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
Try taking a nonprescription medication to help relieve your pain.

Acetaminophen such as Tylenol or Panadol
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin
Naproxen such as Aleve or Naprosyn
Ketoprofen such as Actron or Orudis
Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Be sure to follow these nonprescription medication precautions.

Carefully read and follow all label directions on the medication bottle and box.
Take, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.
Do not take a medication if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
If you have been told to avoid a medication, call your health professional before taking it.
If you are or could be pregnant, call your health professional before taking any medication.
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless directed to do so by your health professional.


Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment
Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

Signs of infection develop.
Numbness, tingling, or cool, pale, skin develops.
Symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.